Emet-Selch’s piteous smirk remains in place of an answer. Ah, the foolish trappings of piety and their willingness to see good where it did not exist.

‘Giving up’ on Abel implies that he has any faith in him to begin with.

He asks a question of his own instead. “Shall we consider our business concluded for today? I am sure your comrades are exceedingly anxious to return home.”